Pickleball Ball Size

Pickleball is played on a court similar to a tennis court, but smaller, with a net that is lower than a tennis net. The game is played with paddles and a plastic ball that has holes in it.

But not all pickleball balls are the same. There are different types of balls for different playing conditions, skill levels, and preferences. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about pickleball ball size, how to choose the right one for your game, and what are the official rules for pickleball balls.

How to Choose the Right Pickleball Ball Size?

The first thing you need to consider when choosing a pickleball ball size is whether you are playing indoors or outdoors. Indoor and outdoor pickleball balls have different characteristics that affect their performance and durability.

Indoor pickleball balls are typically smaller and lighter than outdoor balls, usually around 2.874 inches (73 mm) in diameter and 0.78 ounces (22 grams) in weight. They have fewer but larger holes (usually 26) that make them quieter and less affected by wind. They also have a softer texture that makes them easier to control and less painful when they hit someone. However, they are less durable and tend to crack or split more easily on hard surfaces.

Outdoor pickleball balls are larger and heavier than indoor balls, usually around 2.972 inches (75.5 mm) in diameter and 0.935 ounces (26.5 grams) in weight. They have more but smaller holes (usually 40) that make them more resistant to wind and more durable on rough surfaces. They also have a harder texture that makes them faster and more bouncy. However, they are louder and harder to control.

The second thing you need to consider when choosing a pickleball ball size is your skill level and preference. Some players prefer smaller and lighter balls that are easier to maneuver and spin, while others prefer larger and heavier balls that are more stable and consistent. Some players like softer balls that have more cushioning and less vibration, while others like harder balls that have more speed and bounce.

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to personal preference, as long as you follow the official rules for pickleball balls. The best way to find out what works best for you is to try different types of balls and see how they feel and perform on the court.

Official Pickleball Ball Rules

The official rules for pickleball balls are set by the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) and the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP), which are the governing bodies of the sport. The rules specify the following requirements for pickleball balls:

• Construction: The ball must be made of a durable material with a smooth surface and free of texturing. The ball must be one uniform color, except for identification markings. The ball may have a slight ridge at the seam, as long as it does not significantly impact the ball’s flight characteristics.
• Size: The ball must be between 2.87 inches (73 mm) and 2.97 inches (75.5 mm) in diameter. The maximum out-of-round diameter variance must not be greater than +/-0.020 inch (0.51 mm).
• Weight: The ball must weigh between 0.78 ounces (22 grams) and 0.935 ounces (26.5 grams).
• Bounce: The ball must have a bounce of 30 to 34 inches (76 cm to 86 cm) to the top of the ball when dropped from a height of 78 inches (198 cm) onto a granite surface plate that is at least 12 inches (30 cm) by 12 inches (30 cm) by 4 inches (10 cm). The test must be performed at an ambient temperature of 75 to 80 degrees F (24 to 27 degrees C).
• Hardness: The ball must have a hardness of 40 to 50 on a Durometer D scale at an ambient temperature of 75 to 80 degrees F (24 to 27 degrees C).
• Design: The ball must have a minimum of 26 to a maximum of 40 circular holes, with spacing of the holes and overall design of the ball conforming to flight characteristics. The ball must have manufacturers’s or supplier’s name or logo printed or embossed on it.
• Approval: The tournament director will choose the tournament ball. The ball selected for play in any USAPA- or IFP-sanctioned tournament must be named on the official list of approved balls posted on the USAPA website.

What are pickleball balls made of?

Pickleball balls are made of hard plastic, usually polyethylene or polypropylene. These materials are durable, lightweight, and resistant to cracking or splitting. However, they can also degrade over time due to exposure to sunlight, heat, moisture, or chemicals.

What color are pickleballs?

Pickleballs come in various colors, such as yellow, orange, green, pink, blue, white, or black. The most common colors are yellow and orange, as they are easier to see on the court. However, some players may prefer other colors that contrast better with the background or suit their personal taste.

Why do pickleball balls have holes?

Pickleball balls have holes to reduce air resistance and allow the ball to fly faster and farther. The holes also affect the ball’s spin, bounce, and trajectory. The number, size, and placement of the holes can vary depending on the type of ball and the manufacturer.

How many holes are in a pickleball ball?

Pickleball balls have between 26 and 40 holes, depending on whether they are indoor or outdoor balls. Indoor balls have fewer but larger holes (usually 26), while outdoor balls have more but smaller holes (usually 40). The number of holes is determined by the USAPA and IFP rules for pickleball balls.

Do children use the same pickleball balls as adults?

Yes, children use the same pickleball balls as adults. However, some children may find the standard balls too hard or heavy for their comfort and skill level. In that case, they may use softer or lighter balls that are designed for beginners or recreational players. These balls are not approved for official tournaments, but they can be used for casual play or practice.

How long do pickleballs last?

Pickleballs can last anywhere from a few hours to a few months, depending on how often and how hard they are used. Pickleballs can wear out due to abrasion from the court surface, impact from the paddles, or exposure to environmental factors. Some signs of a worn-out ball are:

• Cracks or splits on the surface or seam
• Flattened or distorted shape
• Loss of bounce or hardness
• Faded or discolored appearance
• Change in sound or feel

To extend the lifespan of your pickleballs, you should:

• Store them in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight
• Clean them regularly with mild soap and water
• Replace them when they show signs of wear or damage

Are all pickleballs the same?

No, not all pickleballs are the same. There are different types of pickleballs for different playing conditions, skill levels, and preferences. Some of the factors that differentiate pickleballs are:

• Size: The diameter of pickleballs can range from 2.87 inches (73 mm) to 2.97 inches (75.5 mm), depending on whether they are indoor or outdoor balls.
• Weight: The weight of pickleballs can range from 0.78 ounces (22 grams) to 0.935 ounces (26.5 grams), depending on whether they are indoor or outdoor balls.
• Bounce: The bounce of pickleballs can vary depending on the type of ball, the court surface, and the temperature. Generally, outdoor balls have more bounce than indoor balls.
• Hardness: The hardness of pickleballs can vary depending on the type of ball and the temperature. Generally, outdoor balls are harder than indoor balls.
• Design: The design of pickleballs can vary depending on the number, size, and placement of the holes, as well as the color and markings of the ball.

What Kind of Ball Do You Use in Pickleball?

The kind of ball you use in pickleball depends on whether you are playing indoors or outdoors, as well as your skill level and preference. Indoor and outdoor pickleball balls have different characteristics that affect their performance and durability.

Indoor pickleball balls are smaller and lighter than outdoor balls, have fewer but larger holes, have a softer texture, and are quieter and less painful when they hit someone. They are more suitable for indoor courts that have less wind and smoother surfaces.

Outdoor pickleball balls are larger and heavier than indoor balls, have more but smaller holes, have a harder texture, and are louder and harder to control. They are more suitable for outdoor courts that have more wind and rougher surfaces.

Some players may prefer smaller and lighter balls that are easier to maneuver and spin, while others may prefer larger and heavier balls that are more stable and consistent. Some players may like softer balls that have more cushioning and less vibration, while others may like harder balls that have more speed and bounce.

The best way to find out what kind of ball you like is to try different types of balls and see how they feel and perform on the court.

Is There a Difference Between Indoor and Outdoor Pickleball Balls?

Yes, there is a difference between indoor and outdoor pickleball balls. Indoor and outdoor pickleball balls have different characteristics that affect their performance and durability.

Indoor pickleball balls are smaller and lighter than outdoor balls, have fewer but larger holes, have a softer texture, and are quieter and less painful when they hit someone. They are more suitable for indoor courts that have less wind and smoother surfaces.

Outdoor pickleball balls are larger and heavier than indoor balls, have more but smaller holes, have a harder texture, and are louder and harder to control. They are more suitable for outdoor courts that have more wind and rougher surfaces.

What Pickleball Do the Pros Use?

The pros use pickleball balls that are approved by the USAPA and IFP for official tournaments. These balls meet strict standards for size, weight, bounce, hardness, and design that ensure fair and consistent play. The pros also use balls that match the playing conditions of the court, whether indoor or outdoor.

Some of the most popular pickleball balls among the pros are:

• [Dura Fast 40]: This is the official ball of the US Open Pickleball Championships and the USAPA National Championships. It is an outdoor ball that has 40 small holes, a hard texture, and a high bounce. It is available in yellow, orange, white, or neon colors.
• [Onix Fuse G2]: This is the official ball of the Tournament of Champions and the Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships. It is an outdoor ball that has 40 small holes, a softer texture, and a lower bounce. It is available in yellow or orange colors.
• [Franklin X-40]: This is the official ball of the USAPA Regional Tournaments and the World Pickleball Championship. It is an outdoor ball that has 40 small holes, a hard texture, and a high bounce. It is available in yellow or optic yellow colors.
• [Jugs Bulldog]: This is one of the most popular indoor balls among the pros. It has 26 large holes, a soft texture, and a low bounce. It is available in yellow or white colors.

Conclusion

Pickleball ball size is an important factor to consider when playing pickleball. The size of the ball affects its speed, bounce, spin, and durability. There are different types of balls for different playing conditions, skill levels, and preferences.

Indoor pickleball balls are smaller and lighter than outdoor balls, have fewer but larger holes, have a softer texture, and are quieter and less painful when they hit someone. They are more suitable for indoor courts that have less wind and smoother surfaces.

Outdoor pickleball balls are larger and heavier than indoor balls, have more but smaller holes, have a harder texture, and are louder and harder to control. They are more suitable for outdoor courts that have more wind and rougher surfaces.

The pros use pickleball balls that are approved by the USAPA and IFP for official tournaments. These balls meet the strict standards for size, weight, bounce, hardness, and design that ensure fair and consistent play. The pros also use balls that match the playing conditions of the court, whether indoor or outdoor.

The best way to find out what kind of ball you like is to try different types of balls and see how they feel and perform on the court.

FAQs for Pickleball Ball Size

Is There a Difference Between Pickleball Balls vs Wiffleball Balls?

Yes, there is a difference between pickleball balls vs wiffleball balls. Wiffleball balls are larger and lighter than pickleball balls, usually around 3.5 inches (89 mm) in diameter and 0.6 ounces (17 grams) in weight. They also have fewer but irregularly shaped holes (usually 8) that make them curve unpredictably when thrown.

Wiffleball balls are not suitable for playing pickleball because they do not meet the official rules for pickleball balls. They also do not perform well on the court because they are too slow, too bouncy, and too erratic.

What is Quiet Pickleball Balls?

Quiet pickleball balls are pickleball balls that are designed to reduce noise when they hit the paddle or the court. They usually have fewer but larger holes (usually 26) that make them quieter than standard pickleball balls. They also have a softer texture that makes them less painful when they hit someone.

Quiet pickleball balls are ideal for playing pickleball in places where noise is an issue, such as residential areas or indoor facilities. However, they may not be approved for official tournaments because they do not meet the standard requirements for pickleball balls.

How fast do pickleball balls travel?

The speed of pickleball balls depends on several factors, such as the type of ball, the type of paddle, the force of the swing, the angle of impact, the spin of the ball, and the wind resistance. According to some estimates, pickleball balls can travel up to 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) when hit by a pro player with a powerful paddle. However, the average speed of pickleball balls is much lower, around 20 to 30 miles per hour (32 to 48 km/h).

Are there different pickleball balls?

Yes, there are different pickleball balls for different playing conditions, skill levels, and preferences. Some of the factors that differentiate pickleball balls are:

• Size: The diameter of pickleball balls can range from 2.87 inches (73 mm) to 2.97 inches (75.5 mm), depending on whether they are indoor or outdoor balls.
• Weight: The weight of pickleball balls can range from 0.78 ounces (22 grams) to 0.935 ounces (26.5 grams), depending on whether they are indoor or outdoor balls.
• Bounce: The bounce of pickleball balls can vary depending on the type of ball, the court surface, and the temperature. Generally, outdoor balls have more bounce than indoor balls.
• Hardness: The hardness of pickleball balls can vary depending on the type of ball and the temperature. Generally, outdoor balls are harder than indoor balls.
• Design: The design of pickleball balls can vary depending on the number, size, and placement of the holes, as well as the color and markings of the ball.

What is regulation pickleball ball?

A regulation pickleball ball is a pickleball ball that meets the official rules for pickleball balls set by the USAPA and IFP. These rules specify the requirements for pickleball balls in terms of construction, size, weight, bounce, hardness, and design. A regulation pickleball ball must be named on the official list of approved balls posted on the USAPA Website..

What is the difference between yellow and orange pickleballs?

The difference between yellow and orange pickleballs is mainly the color. Yellow and orange are two of the most common colors for pickleball balls because they are easy to see on the court. However, some players may prefer one color over the other depending on the background or their personal taste.

There is no significant difference between yellow and orange pickleballs in terms of performance or durability. However, some tournaments may specify a certain color for the official ball, so players should check the rules before playing.